In this nostalgia-fueled episode, hosts Dave and Josh channel their Gen X musical expertise to vent about the current state of music awards. They dissect the infuriating inconsistencies and flawed methodology of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, listing major snubs from Weird Al to The Smiths. The conversation pivots to the declining relevance of the Grammys, comparing the star-studded winners of 1986 to today's auto-tuned landscape. The episode rounds out with lighter segments on hilariously "sinister" heavy metal band names and the lost analog art of backward masking in vinyl records.

The episode opens with high energy as Dave and Josh admire Dave's "smart" attire and briefly touch upon legendary onstage catastrophes, specifically mentioning Krist Novoselic's bass toss and a bloody microphone incident involving The Hives.

The central part of the discussion focuses on their shared anger regarding the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Dave uses the Billboard Top Ten from December 1986 to highlight artists who are notably absent from the Hall, such as Huey Lewis and the News. They argue that the Hall's induction methodology is nebulous and relies too heavily on a fan vote that favors currently active artists. They provide a laundry list of snubs, passionately arguing the cases for Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, Iron Maiden, Jane's Addiction, Phil Collins (as a solo artist and with Genesis), and, surprisingly, Weird Al Yankovic, citing his massive sales and cultural longevity.

Next, they tackle the Grammys, agreeing that the awards have lost their relevance outside of industry marketing. They review the stacked Grammy winners list from 1986 (Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen) to emphasize the difference in raw vocal talent compared to modern, heavily produced music.

The final segments shift to more humorous musical tropes. They share their favorite over-the-top "sinister" band names, such as Goatwhore and Hellhammer, and recall the Satanic Panic of the 80s surrounding bands like KISS and Judas Priest. They conclude with a discussion on backward masking (backmasking), sharing examples ranging from the very first instance in 1959 by The Eligibles to Soundgarden mocking the practice in the late 80s.

Show Notes & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro: Dave's smart dressing, high energy, and a quick detour into onstage catastrophes (Krist Novoselic and The Hives).
• [04:15] The 1986 Quiz: Dave tests Josh on the top ten songs from December 1986 to set up the Hall of Fame discussion.
• [06:45] Rock & Roll Hall of Shame: Analyzing the flawed methodology of inductions, the problem with the fan vote, and why Huey Lewis isn't in the news.
• [12:30] The Great Snub List: The hosts debate who deserves to be in. The case for The Smiths, Joy Division, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins/Genesis, and why Weird Al Yankovic is a musical genius deserving of recognition.
• [23:00] The Grammys Roast: Are they still relevant? A look back at the staggering talent roster of the 1986 Grammy winners versus today's digitized vocals.
• [29:45] Sinister Band Names: From Hellhammer to Goatwhore, plus the hilarious original name of the Drive-By Truckers.
• [35:15] The Lost Art of Backward Masking: Searching for secret messages in vinyl. Examples from Soundgarden, Pink Floyd, Queen, and the very first backmasked song from 1959.

Holiday episodes tend to follow a predictable formula — a little nostalgia, a little sentimentality and a playlist full of songs everyone has heard a thousand times. This one is different. The conversation begins in an unexpected place: the Super Bowl. Not just any Super Bowl, but the post-9/11 Rams–Patriots game in New Orleans, where the stadium was wrapped in military security and U2’s emotional halftime performance unfurled the names of the victims across a towering screen. It’s a moment burned into cultural memory, and for the hosts, a reminder that some halftime acts transcend criticism.

From there, the episode shifts to its true centerpiece: holiday music, the most emotionally loaded genre in the canon. For one host, the holidays mean vinyl — physical albums, needle drops, and a ritualized rotation of Crosby, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Elvis. The family knows the rules, right down to flipping the record. Mariah Carey remains undefeated in the broader culture, but not in this house; veto power is real.

That tension highlights the deeper point: holiday music is a convergence of personal taste, family history, and cultural inheritance. The discussion branches into the question of single-artist albums versus compilation records, along with the unexpectedly diverse range of options. The picks include Hanukkah Rocks from The LeeVees, Adam Sandler’s comedic classic, a Kwanzaa album from Sweet Honey in the Rock, and even the unexpected genre-bending of Christmas on Death Row. Holiday music, the hosts argue, is one of the few categories where listeners willingly cross cultural borders without hesitation simply because the season invites it.

Holiday Standards & Staples

• Bing Crosby – “Merry Christmas”
  https://www.bingcrosby.com
• Frank Sinatra – “A Jolly Christmas”
  https://www.sinatra.com
• Nat King Cole – “The Christmas Song”
  https://www.natkingcole.com
• Dean Martin – “A Winter Romance”
  https://www.deanmartin.com
• Beach Boys – “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album”
  https://www.thebeachboys.com
• Harry Connick Jr. – “When My Heart Finds Christmas”
  https://www.harryconnickjr.com

Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Picks

• The LeeVees – “Hanukkah Rocks” (JDub Records)
  https://www.jdubrecords.org (archive)
• Adam Sandler – “The Chanukah Song”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5Z-HpHH9g
• Sweet Honey in the Rock – “Seven Principles: Kwanzaa Album”
  https://sweethoneyintherock.org

Holiday Oddities & Deep Cuts

• Run DMC – “Christmas in Hollis”
  https://www.rundmc.com
• Christmas on Death Row – Various Artists
  https://www.deathrowofficial.com

From spontaneous tours to personal storytelling, this episode dives deep into the life of a touring band and the creative forces that drive them. The conversation explores how music shapes both the artists and their fans, from childhood inspirations to live shows that feel like family gatherings. Along the way, Robby shares hilarious interview moments, fan stories, and the unpredictable joys of performing around the country.

What is it really like to tour, collaborate, and make music as a band? In this episode, Robby reflects on his creative process, the challenges and humor of life on the road, and how deep relationships and fan connections shape their art. From cover songs and solo projects to the absurdity of “stupid interview questions,” get an inside look at what it means to live and breathe music.

Finding Inspiration on the Road:
Robby discusses how travel and new experiences feed their creativity, often taking risks to explore places off the typical tourist path. He emphasized that his artistic journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences gained through touring, and how seeing the world beyond tour buses and venues enriches their music.

Band as Family:
Touring isn’t just work—it’s a lesson in human connection. Robby describes the intricate bonds of collaboration, comparing the band’s relationships to chosen family and how conflict is managed with patience, communication, and respect, much like adult family dynamics, to preserve both their friendships and creative output.

Cover Songs and Musical Influences:
From reinterpreting classics like Lola to revisiting personal childhood favorites such as Sussudio, Robby explains how covers serve as both homage and creative experimentation. They reflect on the lasting influence of artists like Genesis, Queen, and Neil Young, and how music from formative years continues to inspire their performances.

Fan Connections and Criticism:
The conversation delves into the complex relationship between artists and their audiences. Robby acknowledges online criticism but focuses on connecting with fans in meaningful ways, recognizing that every listener brings their own personal history to the music. He also highlights the joy of meeting fans in person and seeing firsthand the impact of their work.

Live Shows and Touring Life:
Live performances are more than just playing songs—Immersive experiences for both band and audience. The band talks about capturing the energy of live shows in recordings, the excitement of iconic venues like Cane’s in Tulsa, and the small joys of touring, from local food spots to sports games nearby.

Solo Projects and Personal Expression:
The origins of his solo work, initially personal and introspective, and how it evolved into recorded music with its own emotional tone. These projects demonstrate the balance between individual creativity and collaborative band life.

Stupidest Interview Questions Game:
Ending the episode Robbie tackles Josh and Dave’s absurd questions with poise and grace. Stupid questions, such as:

• “Have you ever thought about doing a song in a Boston accent?”
• “Why do you hate Texas?”
• “Tell us about your solo project.”
  
  

Reflection and Gratitude:
Throughout the conversation, Robby emphasizes their love for music, the joy of performing, and the privilege of connecting with fans and each other. He describes music as a shared journey, where creativity, humor, and human connection coexist, making the road less about glamour and more about meaningful experiences.